Quietly floating on the Russian River is one of our favorite ways to spend a summer morning. Birding by kayak offers a whole other dimension of the bird world, and gives us a front row seat to bird life we may otherwise miss out on.
Clear skies and still waters greeted us last Sunday, as we set off at 7:45 AM from Monte Rio Beach.
Right away, we encountered this mama Wood Duck and her two young. The white double chin strap pattern developing on their faces indicates they are juvenile males.
Thin willow branches overhanging the river attract various young swallows waiting patiently for an insect delivery. These three Northern Rough-winged fledglings were just a few we observed while floating by.
Listen to the characteristic “bjjrrt-bjjrrt” of a Northern Rough-winged Swallow below.
We occasionally noticed a pop of orange flying above us from one side of the river to the other – Black-headed Grosbeaks! One perched out in the open briefly before flying back into the canopy.
This Common Merganser fixed its feathers and face at the last minute before posing for Senior Portrait Day.
We heard the characteristic wet “churt” call note of a Common Yellowthroat coming low from the willows. After a couple minutes of patience, out popped a female.
This Mallard duckling in the early morning light looked illuminated as if under a spotlight.
Many Osprey pairs nest along the Russian River, and we enjoyed looks at both youngsters and adults flying above us.
This Turkey Vulture warmed up in the sun before heading to the skies to sniff out breakfast.
We noticed a California Towhee at the water’s edge.
As we floated by, we heard a continuous stream of impatient “tsee” calls emanating from low brush on the riverbank. We watched as a second California Towhee flew in to the bramble carrying food to its hidden, waiting young. Listen in below – you can even hear the California Towhee’s squealing interaction call at 0:03 and 0:07.
Young Wilson’s Warblers seem to love blackberry bramble. We’ve yet to score a crisp photo of one still in its messy, brownish-and-yellow juvenile plumage – so this blurry shot will have to do.
More distance traveled along the river… more Mallard ducklings!
As we floated slowly past this tangle of branches, Teresa’s furry-critter radar started pinging. We discovered three, well-camouflaged baby raccoons tucked away!
A couple hours into our paddle, we finally came across the first Green Heron of the day – always a favorite sighting!
A little later, we encountered this juvenile practicing its craft. Can you hear the scolding Warbling Vireo in the background? It starts in around 0:12.
Check out the wispy feathers sticking straight up on its head!
Though Monte Rio is nine miles from the coastline, it’s not uncommon to see an occasional harbor seal. This one popped up and swam closer when we said good morning.
As we rounded a bend, we spotted a group of six more juvenile Wood Ducks swimming in a shady cove near Bohemian Grove.
Birding by kayak is a truly special experience. Birds that may flush despite walking respectfully down a trail will often stay put when you’re floating by at a snail’s pace in near silence. It’s a recipe for a terrific day of quiet bird observation.
We feel incredibly lucky to live near the Russian River, surrounded by the vibrancy of creatures who also call it home. Here’s to many more summer paddles!
Best of times! Rob
Indeed!
Hello Miles, Today’s post made me wish I was there too! I hope you don’t mind that I posted that cute fat teen Merganser on my FB page. I gave your website and you credit for the photo, like I always do whenever posting a photo. I have enjoyed your blogs for a long time and love birding also, though a novice for sure. Thank YOU
Hi Rowena! Thanks for sharing the merganser photo 🙂 We’re happy to hear you’ve been enjoying the blog – we appreciate you reading and saying hello!
Living on the Russian River is such a treat! Age and injuries has made it difficult for us to kayak on the river anymore. But so nice to follow your travels and birding. I remember many times critter and bird watching on the river!!
We love living where we do, that’s for sure! Sorry to hear it’s difficult to go kayaking these days. We’re glad we can share our experiences observing the wildlife.
What a great post-love those photos Teresa. Where did you take out? Or did you paddle down and back?
Thanks, Ellie! We did an upriver and back paddle – dropped in under the Monte Rio bridge and paddled upriver about 2 miles to Bohemian Grove area and then back. The river is pretty slow, so it’s easy to paddle/float both directions.